332 - Guest Co-Host Christina Cassotis. Guest: Khalid Usman, Partner, Oliver Wyman

·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

British Airways will allow voice and video calls in flight—host Scott McCartney declares 'put a sock in it'.

The episode opens with host Scott McCartney criticizing British Airways' announcement to permit voice and video calls using Starlink Wi-Fi, co-host Christina Cassotis shares her mixed views. The conversation shifts to industry disruptions from high jet fuel prices, focusing on Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy reorganization, which faces a $400 million annual fuel cost shock that threatens its viability. United and JetBlue's baggage fee increases are discussed as a response to fuel costs, though they fall short of covering the billions in added expenses. Cassotis recounts a personal story about a final call to her dying father from an airplane in 1999, adding nuance to the in-flight calls debate. The FAA's decision to cut San Francisco International Airport arrivals from 54 to 36 per hour, ending parallel landings, is analyzed as a major capacity reduction with economic repercussions. High-profile management changes are noted, including Willie Walsh leaving IATA for Indigo Airlines and Kevin Burke retiring from Airports Council International. Oliver Wyman partner Khalid Usman provides an expert analysis, revealing the Middle East conflict has led to 60,000 flight cancellations, impacted 6 million passengers, and caused a $34 billion tourism loss. He explains that 20% of global airline capacity is affected, with fuel prices spiking and airlines adjusting networks. Usman outlines scenarios where oil at $100 per barrel could increase fares by 10-12% and reduce demand by 5%, squeezing airline profits by $40 billion. He discusses potential winners and losers, with low-cost carriers and regions like the Middle East most vulnerable. The episode concludes with listener mailbag feedback on route profitability and TSA politics, and promotions for sponsors like RTX and Infinity Flight Academy.

As heard by us

British Airways' call policy leads into a sharp discussion of airline leadership, SAF, politics, airports, and deregulation.

Airlines Confidential uses British Airways' plan to permit voice and video calls after very fast Starlink Wi-Fi arrives as a way into a broader question: how much friction aviation can absorb before passenger convenience turns into cabin irritation.

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You want to know whether in-flight calls are a terrible idea? Start here.

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